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Article
Publication date: 1 May 2001

J.E. Akin and Javier Arjona‐Baez

The goal of structural optimization is to find the best possible configuration that minimizes the objective function and satisfies a set of constraints. Here we present a method…

800

Abstract

The goal of structural optimization is to find the best possible configuration that minimizes the objective function and satisfies a set of constraints. Here we present a method based on the evolutionary structural optimization method, where the quality of the solution is improved by avoiding the chain‐like sets of elements which are sources of potential kinematic instabilities, and by including local error estimators. Both of these enhancements are employed to activate refining the mesh so as to obtain accurate and stable solutions as the volume removal proceeds. Several related contributions of Professor E. Hinton are cited.

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Engineering Computations, vol. 18 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 1 August 1996

Manolis Papadrakakis, Yiannis Tsompanakis, Ernest Hinton and Johann Sienz

Investigates the efficiency of hybrid solution methods when incorporated into large‐scale topology and shape optimization problems and to demonstrate their influence on the…

528

Abstract

Investigates the efficiency of hybrid solution methods when incorporated into large‐scale topology and shape optimization problems and to demonstrate their influence on the overall performance of the optimization algorithms. Implements three innovative solution methods based on the preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) and Lanczos algorithms. The first method is a PCG algorithm with a preconditioner resulted from a complete or an incomplete Cholesky factorization, the second is a PCG algorithm in which a truncated Neumann series expansion is used as preconditioner, and the third is a preconditioned Lanczos algorithm properly modified to treat multiple right‐hand sides. The numerical tests presented demonstrate the computational advantages of the proposed methods which become more pronounced in large‐scale and/or computationally intensive optimization problems.

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Engineering Computations, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 2001

Carlos A. Felippa

Teaches by example the application of finite element templates in constructing high performance elements. The example discusses the improvement of the mass and geometric stiffness…

767

Abstract

Teaches by example the application of finite element templates in constructing high performance elements. The example discusses the improvement of the mass and geometric stiffness matrices of a Bernoulli‐Euler plane beam. This process interweaves classical techniques (Fourier analysis and weighted orthogonal polynomials) with newer tools (finite element templates and computer algebra systems). Templates are parameterized algebraic forms that uniquely characterize an element population by a “genetic signature” defined by the set of free parameters. Specific elements are obtained by assigning numeric values to the parameters. This freedom of choice can be used to design “custom” elements. For this example weighted orthogonal polynomials are used to construct templates for the beam material stiffness, geometric stiffness and mass matrices. Fourier analysis carried out through symbolic computation searches for template signatures of mass and geometric stiffness that deliver matrices with desirable properties when used in conjunction with the well‐known Hermitian beam material stiffness. For mass‐stiffness combinations, three objectives are noted: high accuracy for vibration analysis, wide separation of acoustic and optical branches, and low sensitivity to mesh distortion and boundary conditions. Only the first objective is examined in detail.

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Engineering Computations, vol. 18 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Book part
Publication date: 19 February 2005

Willie Pearson and Jr.

Abstract

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Beyond Small Numbers
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76230-562-9

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Article
Publication date: 22 March 2021

Nurnazerah Julayhe and Md Motiar Rahman

Greening existing buildings (GEB) considerably improves energy efficiency of old buildings, along with other benefits, but it is not widely practiced. As a part of a wider study…

213

Abstract

Purpose

Greening existing buildings (GEB) considerably improves energy efficiency of old buildings, along with other benefits, but it is not widely practiced. As a part of a wider study, this paper aims to evaluate the perception of building dwellers/owners on the challenges and motivators to GEB in Brunei Darussalam.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire survey collected 109 responses from building owners/dwellers. Cronbach's alpha tested the reliability of the data collected. One-sample t-test examined if sample means are consistent with population means. ANOVA examined if different respondent groups significantly agreed on the importance levels of individual factors. Moreover, factor analysis narrowed down the long list of factors in to a smaller number of components.

Findings

A set of 30 challenges and 19 motivators of GEB was identified. “Lack of a GEB infrastructure” was identified as the collective key challenge, leading dwellers to recognize lack of support and knowledge and develop wrong perception on GEB. However, “framework of supports,” as a summative motivator, improves knowledge and awareness on GEB, which allows recognizing other benefits and developing a momentum of practicing GEB. Factor analysis suggested a consolidated approach for challenges through six interrelated components, but for motivators to focus on somewhat four independent areas.

Originality/value

House/building dweller/owners' decision is the key to undertake GEB. This study, apparently for the first time, contributes to identifying the challenges and motivators that influence their decision-making.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 11 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

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Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

Wiljeana Jackson Glover, Sabrina JeanPierre Jacques, Rebecca Rosemé Obounou, Ernest Barthélemy and Wilnick Richard

This study examines innovation configurations (i.e. sets of product/service, social and business model innovations) and configuration linkages (i.e. factors that help to combine…

395

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines innovation configurations (i.e. sets of product/service, social and business model innovations) and configuration linkages (i.e. factors that help to combine innovations) across six organizations as contingent upon organizational structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Using semi-structured interviews and available public information, qualitative data were collected and examined using content analysis to characterize innovation configurations and linkages in three local/private organizations and three foreign-led/public-private partnerships in Repiblik Ayiti (Haiti).

Findings

Organizations tend to combine product/service, social, and business model innovations simultaneously in locally founded private organizations and sequentially in foreign-based public-private partnerships. Linkages for simultaneous combination include limited external support, determined autonomy and shifting from a “beneficiary mindset,” and financial need identification. Sequential combination linkages include social need identification, community connections and flexibility.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of our findings for this qualitative study is subject to additional quantitative studies to empirically test the suggested factors and to examine other health care organizations and countries.

Practical implications

Locally led private organizations in low- and middle-income settings may benefit from considering how their innovations are in service to one another as they may have limited resources. Foreign based public-private partnerships may benefit from pacing their efforts alongside a broader set of stakeholders and ecosystem partners.

Originality/value

This study is the first, to our knowledge, to examine how organizations combine sets of innovations, i.e. innovation configurations, in a healthcare setting and the first of any setting to examine innovation configuration linkages.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 38 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1969

It must be difficult for many to contemplate the numerous changes in progress and projected without wondering why it all has to happen now. Of course, there have always been with…

88

Abstract

It must be difficult for many to contemplate the numerous changes in progress and projected without wondering why it all has to happen now. Of course, there have always been with us those who would change everything, even those who would spoil; all seemingly unable to leave anything alone; unwillingly to let us be for what we are. Then there are those who dislike change of any kind in their familiar environment and strangely, children are the most conservative of us all, and others who do not object to change when it is necessary, but only when it is change merely for the sake of change. The changeover to the metric system, or to use one of the grating terms of the new technological language, metrication, must be accepted as a natural sequence to decimal currency and advances in industry. A revolution in weights and measures, it will indeed present very great problems throughout the country and at all levels, which will dwarf those presented by the switch to decimal coinage, for at worst, these may be just confusing to the general public and a price‐raiser in small‐value commodities, despite assurances to the contrary.

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British Food Journal, vol. 71 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1974

Frances Neel Cheney

Communications regarding this column should be addressed to Mrs. Cheney, Peabody Library School, Nashville, Tenn. 37203. Mrs. Cheney does not sell the books listed here. They are…

300

Abstract

Communications regarding this column should be addressed to Mrs. Cheney, Peabody Library School, Nashville, Tenn. 37203. Mrs. Cheney does not sell the books listed here. They are available through normal trade sources. Mrs. Cheney, being a member of the editorial board of Pierian Press, will not review Pierian Press reference books in this column. Descriptions of Pierian Press reference books will be included elsewhere in this publication.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 2 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

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Book part
Publication date: 5 February 2024

Robin A. Hadley

The vast bulk of the discourse surrounding reproduction is centered on women. Yet, the rate of childlessness in the United Kingdom (and much of the world) is higher among men…

Abstract

The vast bulk of the discourse surrounding reproduction is centered on women. Yet, the rate of childlessness in the United Kingdom (and much of the world) is higher among men. Recently, there has been an increased focus on fatherhood and fathering in academia, policy, practice, and the general media. However, data on men who do not become fathers has been excluded and their experiences minimized and dismissed. Infertility research has shown that failure to achieve the high social status of parenthood has the similar effects on mental and physical health as a diagnosis of life-threatening illness. In this chapter, I will draw on two qualitative research studies to show how not achieving the pronatalist ideal of parenthood impacts on men’s identity, sense of self, behaviors, health and well-being and social networks across the life course. The workplace is an arena where people who do not fit socio-cultural norms and expectations are overtly and/or covertly stigmatized and discriminated against through policy, working practices and everyday interaction between groups and individuals. I will argue that failing to acknowledge men’s experience of non-reproduction has a significant impact on both individuals and institutions alike.

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Work-Life Inclusion: Broadening Perspectives Across the Life-Course
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-219-8

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1982

Elisabeth B. Davis

There have been several developments during the past year that will aid biologists in their constant battle to keep up with the scientific and technical literature. The Institute…

561

Abstract

There have been several developments during the past year that will aid biologists in their constant battle to keep up with the scientific and technical literature. The Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) has introduced three new online services that are designed for current awareness and retrospective searches: ISI/CompuMath — access to pure and applied math literature; ISI/ISTP&B — index to scientific proceedings and books; and ISI/BIOMED — research front specialties in biomedicine.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

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